AFL-CIO’s Fizzling Protest: A sign of trouble ahead? 

Washington, DC (Feb. 5, 2025) Usually, the AFL-CIO walks into the open arms of U.S. Department of Labor officials and walks away with grants and other gifts like no-show union officer jobs (often ironically called “official time”). But it was different today. 

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stood in her red coat at a microphone trying to be heard. But the microphone appeared to malfunction, and her words failed to carry to most of the ragtag crew that had been brought to the protest. 

To one observer, it appeared as if the AFL-CIO Union Boss and the assembled few have become weary from the many months of trying to carry Kamala Harris into the White House. Now they must fight the possible exposure of numerous federal schemes, paybacks, and grants given to Big Labor from the scrutiny of President Trump’s D.O.G.E. headed by Elon Musk. Shuler must have felt, as she looked out over this motley crew standing with her, that the end may be near for what once was. 

The event projected an impression, not of strength, but of one of exhaustion, a group worn out from the past political battles, and who are now facing the daunting task of defending their insider deals against the current administration’s push for government efficiency. 

What was meant to be a grand demonstration of union solidarity and power fizzled out on the steps of the U.S. Department of Labor. 

The event was intended to be a show of unity among multiple international unions, a conglomeration meant to assert their influence. Instead, protesters, each with their own cause, added to the cacophony, leaving AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler looking inept. 

This once-feared union machine appeared more like a relic in need of urgent repair and parts replacements. 

This government efficiency “protest” underscored a significant shift in Washington, suggesting that the days of unchecked Big Labor intimidation may be numbered. 

Trouble Ahead for Liz Shuler? 

Based on the quality of this event, the AFL-CIO itself may soon begin to look for new leadership. With the SEIU back inside the AFL-CIO, you can expect that SEIU will begin to assert influence and control more aggressively within the AFL-CIO. So, watch out Liz, SEIU officials have black belts in Alinsky tactics. 

This gathering at the Department of Labor was less about rallying the troops and more about revealing the cracks in the union’s armor, a moment where the public saw not a titan of labor union power but an organization grappling with its own relevance in a modern political landscape.  This change may help government officials concentrate more on protecting employee rights and stop focusing on expanding union bosses’ power over hardworking Americans through schemes like the so-called PRO Act.